Messy and Picky

We have been hearing great things about Morning Glory ever since we moved to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, we are slow moving, late sleepers on weekends and everytime we got our act together enough to try to go to brunch at Morning Glory, there was always a significant wait time. Thankfully, a visit from KT promted us to arise early enough to get there at a decent brunch hour. Our wait on a Sunday at about 10.45 a.m. was, miraculously, not too bad — about 20 minutes. There were five parties ahead of our party of 5, but we must have gotten there just before the huge rush and after the early risers. We chatted for a bit under the canopy in the cement courtyard and the time went by quickly before our name was called. There were plenty of places for waiting people to sit, and there was even a basket of toys for fidgety young children…

We are frequent patrons of the Marathon Grill located at 16th and Sansom Sts, and have found it to be reliably fast and good. Recently, however, we visited the Marathon Grill on Chestnut between 13th and Broad Sts and found ourselves with some of the worst service we've ever experienced. Just to get it out of the way, the food was good, just as good as the 16th St location, but the service was horrendous…

This all-night diner probably would have been amazing if we were drunk. Alas, we were not and therefore we were cognizant of the smoky interior and mediocre food quality. Picky continued on his never-ending quest for a root beer float and was once again, denied, and forced to settle for ice cream plopped atop of coke, or some facsimile thereof…

Marathon Grill, an ever-expanding local chain, is a great place to grab a quick lunch during a busy work week. The food is consistently good with plenty of options availble. Lunches are quite filling, and served with fries or a Caeser salad. Nothing is out-of-the ordinary, but many old standards have a little extra pizzaz here, like Messy's grilled presed roasted peppers, spinach and cheddar sandwich…

One of several unrelated Little Pete's in town, this one is a crowded, smoky diner serving delicious milkshakes and yummy, greasy food. Strangely, Messy's jalapeno poppers came with a bowl of marinara sauce instead of sour cream, but they tasted good nonetheless…

Upon walking into the diner, the first thing you will notice is an extensive old school cigarette vending machine. This is information is crucial because cigarettes are the most important aspect of this diner, and they have quite a variety…